Under the High Patronage and in the presence of Minister of Tourism, Mr. Avedis Guidanian, and in collaboration with the Municipality of Zahle, Amjadouna association launched its first international festival, “Oumsiyat Zahle”, during a press conference held at the glass room of the Ministry of Tourism in Beirut, in the presence of a number of artistic, cultural, media, and social figures.
Held at “Zahle Park” from August 11 to 17, 2017, the festival not only fulfills Zahle’s dream in signing its name on the list of international festivals, but also promotes the city as an attractive local and international touristic destination, transforming the Pearl of the Bekaa this summer into a space of joy and encounter attracting the Lebanese of Lebanon and abroad.
Commenting on the event, the festival’s president, Mrs. Magda Rizk, asserted that “the first edition of “Oumsiyat Zahle” contributes in anchoring the history
of the city as well as its cultural and artistic legacy. This is a chance to place Zahle on Lebanon’s map of international summer festivals, especially that the city has all it takes to host an event of such scale that helps reinforcing the region’s tourism while reflecting the cultural and civilizational aspects of Zahle and answering all international standards.”
Rizk also thanked “the Minister of Tourism for his welcome and support, Zahle Mayor, Assaad Zgheib, along with the members of Zahle’s municipal council, ICE International Events for their outstanding organization work, as well as the festival’s sponsors: Fransabank, Libano-Suisse Insurance, Chateau Ksara, Electricite de Zahle, Albergo and Crystal Kadri hotels, in addition to the LBCI and the Lebanese media for covering this unique event.”
The festival’s President also revealed the special program that will “start on the evening of Friday August 11 with a night of celebrations crowned by a special performance from Lebanese international singer Hiba Tawaji and artist and producer Oussama Rahbani. The opening will feature as well a fascinating documentary revolving around the cultural legacy of Zahle. August 16 promises a first appearance for the famous French singer Patricia Kaas in the Pearl of Bekaa, while August 17 crowns the festival with artist Wael Kfoury who will sing for the first time in Zahle” she concluded, adding that “the festival will include entertaining and educational activities for kids and adults, all of which are eco-friendly, as well as special corners dedicated for painting, playing musical instruments, and exhibiting traditional foods throughout the whole period of the festival.”
Zahle – Mouallaka – Taanayel Mayor Assaad Zgheib “thanked Oumsiyat Zahle International Festival that will take place for the first time, and that witnessed a close collaboration between the city and the Ministry of Tourism. We thank Minister Guidanian for his help and we aim at seeing Zahle hosting different categories of visitors and tourists through special activities relating to our city’s heritage”.
Artist and Producer Oussama Rahbani who greeted “the people of Zahle for their generosity and their hospitality” also said that “Zahle holds in its soil one of the greatest poets Said Akl”. Rahbani expressed his satisfaction “seeing festivals on the way in all Lebanese regions”, while “calling for a better organization” of those events.
Lebanese Tourism Minister Avedis Guidanian said that “now that we’re in the middle of the holy month, only a few days separate us from the Fitr celebrations that will also mark the start of our festivals season”. Guidanian congratulated “Oumsiyat Zahle for their outstanding program and for their collaboration with the municipality and artist and producer, Oussama Rahbani, whose contribution is a great added value to any festival in Lebanon or abroad”.
The Minister also said that “Lebanon and through the planned festivals is getting ready to host a growing number of tourists visiting Lebanon this summer, and I hope that our expectations are right and will prove that Lebanon is making a real comeback on the international tourism map through such festivals”, and he concluded his speech on a hopeful note to see Lebanon “become again a destination for the Lebanese diaspora as well as Arab and international tourists regardless of sometimes difficult conditions that we might face”. He concluded “all the festivals among them Oumsiyat Zahle taking place in such a great city, will add a great value to the activities already happening in the city”.